Is it just me, or does the holidays conjure up sweet memories of the past that just cause you to miss your loved ones who have passed on more than ever during this time of the year? As the weeks go by and the trees are decorated, sweet smelling candles are lit and the Christmas music is playing, I think about my Dad. He passed away just barely 6 months ago after years of fighting MS and diabetes. Sometimes it doesn't seem like he it could already be that long and other days, it seems that I having been missing him forever! This will be my first Christmas without him. It is bittersweet. It will be his first Christmas in 14 years that he will not be in pain or be crippled by an awful disease but even so, it is hard to think of celebrating without him. I look through my Christmas list and his name is not there...

I think about his smile and how he would always ask about how things were going...interested in the little things and excited for me over the big things. He knew I loved Real Estate and was so encouraging about me pursuing it. It has been a slow couple of months but I have several contracts pending now that should close this month and I know if he were here, he would celebrate with me... maybe he is anyway, looking down, watching and waiting for the day I am home with him.

Funny how our lives are like chapters of a book, one closing, one opening.... my life with my dad here on earth, helping me, encouraging me, inspiring me... that chapter has ended, new ones are beginning. I grew up with my dad- he was mom and dad to me as a child. I didn't have much of an opportunity to know my mom until I was older. The last few years, we have become closer but she has lived in Michigan and I in Tennessee. We haven't seen much of each other. We are embarking a new chapter... in a couple of months, my mom will be moving here with my brother to retire! :)

I am getting ready to see her for the first time during the holidays since I was around 3. Some people out there will know where I am coming from here.... I have no memories of Christmas with my mom. I can hardly believe it is actually going to happen. My dad passing away has had a remarkable impact on my family and how we all view the importance of being close and valuing our time together. Life is so short... the Bible speaks of it being as a vapor. It is so true. A vapor you see for a moment and then it vanishes away. Our lives are just like that. When we're young, we think we have so much time to do with as we wish. Even as young adults and middle aged adults, we take it for granted not setting our goals and seriously considering we may not have next week to wait to do so and so...

One of my goals for the next year is to take each day seriously, not being wasteful of my time... not putting off reaching prospects, canvassing my farms... taking time to visit my own family as well. Making sure I actually take a vacation with my child, no excuses.

I hope to have a productive year and wish the same for all of you.